EDEN CIRCUS was brought to me as an Alternative Rock band from Hamburg, Germany. In 2014 they released their debut album “Marula”, only to disappear a little bit after that. Now, some 11 years later, we are being blessed with another outing of their musicality with “Irrlicht”. It will hit our ears from 22 August 2025 onwards, and this review will hopefully tell you whether this one is worth you listening to as a Metalhead. And before you ask, no, I haven’t heard “Marula”. The musical direction that EDEN CIRCUS has opted for is very emotional Rock, with some outbursts where needed. You only have to listen to opening song “Stone Itself” to hear that the band is very capable of combining emotional sounds with rather excessive and aggressive parts. What also is very clear is that singer Siegmar Pohl has just the right kind of voice to express the feelings that the songs are asking for.

After listening to “Irrlicht” a number of times I have to mention the following. The all-round sound that EDEN CIRCUS has on this album has me thinking of STABBING WESTWARD on their album “Stabbing Westward”. This doesn’t only apply for the musical parts, but also for the vocals, as singer Siegmar Pohl does sound a lot like the STABBING WESTARD singer Christopher Hall, in intonation as well as pitch. Another band that will cross you mind regularly when you listen to “Irrlicht” is SNOW PATROL, who for me are the masters in converting their emotions to music. What you will find is that at times EDEN CIRCUS is just less impressive than both bands mentioned, but still pack a punch.

Because if one thing is clear for ma as the reviewer, it is that EDEN CIRCUS has managed to put ten very impressive songs on “Irrlicht”. And even when you take in consideration what I wrote so far, I just can’t help but be impressed by what the band is offering is in the 51 minutes that the album takes to play. I find it mesmerising that even though I feel that the album is too much of the same thing as a whole, I have to play it again. And again. And again. And that, my friends, is a sure sign of a diamond in the rough. It takes time to get sculpted and formed into the perfect size and shape. EDEN CIRCUS are definitely heading that way with “Irrlicht”.